By GAGE WILSON
for Glasgow News 1
It was standing room only at the Caverna Board of Education’s first meeting of the year, with most attendees present for a single agenda item: the renewal of Superintendent Amanda Abell’s four-year contract with the school district.
Normally a quiet item on the agenda, public comment saw seven speakers ranging from staff to alumni, each overwhelmingly approving of Abell’s performance throughout her tenure. Each speaker was limited to roughly two minutes and was asked by Chairwoman Jennifer Briggs to maintain a respectful tone as they addressed the board.
Caverna Elementary Principal Twana Hayes likened the district’s journey to a marathon. “This is not a race measured by speed but by distance,” she said. “I am glad to say that I am wholeheartedly on Mrs. Abell’s team and share her vision as we run the course of this marathon.
“If you look around this room, you’ll see people who have faith in her leadership, people who believe she will get us to the finish line.” Hayes’ comments echoed a common theme among the speakers.
“I’m here to support Mrs. Abell,” said high school softball coach and athletic director Peter Distefano. “The decisions she makes are for the betterment of the kids, and that’s what we’re here for.”
While each recognized Abell’s accomplishments, some who spoke also took the opportunity to highlight a concern for the district’s teachers: pay raises.
“While it concerns me to even have to stand up here and say this, teachers need that raise,” said art teacher Marla England. “Our kids are living through an unprecedented time. There are changes constantly, and they need us more than ever.”
Drawing from more than two decades of experience, England pointed to the multiple directions educators are pulled for the good of their students, which often goes without compensation.
The last raise approved by the board was a 3 percent increase passed in May 2025. The board is expected to vote on a 1- to 3-percent raise again later this year.
As public comment ended, the board agreed to enter closed session to discuss the superintendent’s contract renewal, relocating from the central office to the annex next door. The session lasted roughly an hour, and while a handful of attendees departed, most remained.
Upon returning to open session, Briggs called the question on Abell’s contract, which was met with a unanimous vote, then a standing ovation.
“I think it was the right decision for our district,” said teacher Terry Thorpe. “She is 100 percent about our kids and what is best for our students.”
Reflecting on her past and future as Caverna’s superintendent, Abell said, “I’m proud of the gains we’ve made in the last four years, all the new opportunities we’ve offered students, and the growth we’ve seen. I’m just excited to see how we grow over the next four years.”
